Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be a boring or serious task. In fact, making learning
fun can be a great way to build their financial literacy and spark their interest in saving,
budgeting, and investing. Playing financial games with kids not only gives them a head start in
understanding how money works but also helps foster important life skills like decision-making,
critical thinking, and problem-solving. Here are some fun financial games that kids can play with
adults to make learning about money an exciting adventure.
1. Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic board game that teaches kids how to manage money, make investments,
and understand concepts like rent, property, and debt. While it’s a game of strategy and chance,
Monopoly also introduces players to important financial concepts like budgeting, asset
management, and negotiation.
Why it’s fun: The game is competitive, so kids will enjoy trying to outsmart the adults while
learning about saving, spending, and planning for the future. Plus, the thrill of buying properties
and collecting rent is always a hit.
How to play with kids: To make it easier for younger players, you can adapt the rules and
simplify the process. For instance, reduce the number of properties or use play money to help
younger kids grasp the concept of budgeting.
2. The Game of Life
The Game of Life is a fun and educational board game that simulates the journey of life,
including going to school, getting a job, buying a house, and managing finances. Players make
decisions that impact their financial stability and future.
Why it’s fun: This game is full of twists and turns, allowing kids to experience different life
choices, both good and bad, while learning about the consequences of their financial decisions.
It’s a great way for kids to understand the importance of budgeting and making responsible
financial decisions.
How to play with kids: As you play, discuss the financial choices your child is making and
explain how their decisions might affect their future. This will help them understand the
importance of long-term planning and smart money management.
3. Cashflow for Kids
Cashflow for Kids is a simplified version of the popular adult game Cashflow 101, created by
financial educator Robert Kiyosaki. It teaches kids about basic financial principles like assets,
liabilities, and cash flow in a fun and interactive way.
Why it’s fun: The goal of the game is to help players understand how to manage money, create
multiple streams of income, and invest in assets that generate cash flow. It’s a hands-on way to
introduce kids to the concepts of wealth-building and financial independence.
How to play with kids: In this game, kids will work toward their “dream” lifestyle by using their
financial knowledge to buy assets and manage their finances. You can guide them through the
process and help them see how making smart financial decisions leads to achieving goals.
4. Budgeting Bingo
Budgeting Bingo is a fun twist on the classic bingo game, where kids can learn about budgeting
and saving while playing. Instead of numbers, the bingo cards contain different financial
categories, such as “savings,” “wants,” “needs,” and “expenses.”
Why it’s fun: It combines the excitement of bingo with real-world financial lessons. As you call
out different financial situations, kids can learn how to prioritize spending and make good
financial choices.
How to play with kids: You can create bingo cards with various financial categories, and as
you read out a situation (e.g., “saving for a rainy day,” “buying a toy”), players mark their cards
accordingly. The first person to complete a row or column wins!
5. Financial Literacy Scavenger Hunt
A financial literacy scavenger hunt is a creative way to teach kids about budgeting, saving, and
spending wisely while also engaging them in physical activity. To play, create clues or
challenges related to money that lead them to different locations or objects.
Why it’s fun: This game gets kids moving while also encouraging them to think critically about
money. It’s an interactive way to reinforce important financial lessons.
How to play with kids: Hide “money-related” items (like toy bills, coupons, or even cards with
financial lessons) around your house or yard. Each clue or item could represent a financial
concept, like saving, spending, or budgeting. As kids find each item, discuss the concept behind
it and how it relates to managing money.
6. Save, Spend, Share Game
This simple yet powerful game teaches kids the importance of saving, spending, and sharing
their money. You can use three jars or envelopes, each labeled with one of these categories. As
you give your child play money, ask them to decide how much to allocate to each category.
Why it’s fun: The game empowers kids to make decisions about their money while learning the
balance between enjoying their earnings, saving for the future, and giving back to others.
How to play with kids: Give kids an amount of play money and ask them to divide it between
the three categories. Discuss the importance of each category and ask them to reflect on how
they would feel if they didn’t save or share some of their money. This game can be done
regularly to help reinforce financial concepts.
7. Stock Market Simulation
If your kids are a little older, consider introducing them to the stock market through a simulation
game. You can create a simplified stock market game where players “buy” and “sell” stocks
based on imaginary market trends or current events.
Why it’s fun: This game introduces kids to the concept of investing and the ups and downs of
the market. They can experience firsthand the potential for growth or loss in their investments.
How to play with kids: You can set up a simple system where each player is given a set
amount of virtual money to “invest” in stocks of their choice. Track the value of each stock over
time, and have kids buy and sell based on changes. Discuss how the market works and the
importance of making informed investment decisions.
8. Coin Identification Game
For younger children, a coin identification game is a great way to teach them about the value of
money and how coins are used in daily transactions. Use real coins or play money and ask
them to identify each coin, its value, and how to use it in a transaction.
Why it’s fun: This hands-on game allows younger children to connect with money in a fun,
tactile way. They’ll enjoy the challenge of correctly identifying coins while learning their values.
How to play with kids: Lay out a variety of coins, and ask your child to match each coin to its
corresponding value. As they play, reinforce the concept of saving and budgeting.
Conclusion
Incorporating fun financial games into your time with kids is an excellent way to teach them
valuable money skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Whether it’s a competitive board game,
an interactive scavenger hunt, or a simple budgeting exercise, these activities make learning
about money both enjoyable and educational. So, gather the family, break out the games, and
start building financial literacy one fun game at a time!
